Dairy co-op Gay Lea to buy Stirling Creamery east of Toronto
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Company to buy small town butter producer for undisclosed price
MISSISSAUGA, Ont.—Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Ltd. is stepping up its butter operations with the acquisition of an Ontario creamery located between Toronto and Ottawa.
The dairy co-op announced Oct. 18 it will buy The Stirling Creamery Ltd. for an undisclosed price. Located in the town of Stirling, Ont., the company produces a number of artisanal butters and employs 25 people.
“With this acquisition, we continue the tradition of supporting family farms in Ontario while further strengthening Gay Lea Foods’ presence in the Canadian dairy industry,” Steve Dolson, chair of the company’s board, said.
Gay Lea plans to integrate Stirling into its own operations starting Nov. 1, while maintaining all activities at the small town plant. The Mississauga, Ont.-based co-op also produces butter in Guelph, Ont.
Experiencing steady growth, the co-op has purchased Black River Cheese, Hewitt’s Dairy and Salerno Dairy over the past several years.
